Minnesota is full of stunning scenery, and the best places to enjoy it are the secluded, off the beaten path parks and hiking spots where you aren’t surrounded by tourists. These 14 places are absolutely beautiful, and you won’t find yourself in a crowd when you’re exploring.
- George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This secluded park offers hiking and camping without the crowds of other North Shore parks. Enjoy the backpacking trails and peaceful waterfalls all throughout the park.
- The Normandale Japanese Garden
Flickr/technicolours For a truly magical experience, try this amazing Japanese garden which offers walking paths and places to sit and enjoy nature.
- Lost 40 SNA
Flickr/Minnesota SNAs One of MN’s most amazing forests, the Lost 40 was saved from logging by a mapping error - and luckily, we can still enjoy its beauty today.
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Wikimedia/McGhiever Hidden Falls at this park is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet afternoon.
- Franz Jevne State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Another of MN’s lesser visited state parks, enjoy gorgeous sunsets and plenty of recreation at this northern park.
- Pike Island - Fort Snelling State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Pike Island is the perfect metro area escape offering secluded beach spots to enjoy the river.
- Sand Dune at Minnesota River Valley State Recreation Area
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Another metro area where you can find seclusion, this massive recreation area is truly one-of-a-kind.
- Superior Hiking Trail Overlooks at Tettegouche State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources The back trails at Tettegouche make for the perfect hiking without the crowds.
- Garden Island State Recreation Area
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This island park is way up north in the middle of Lake of the Woods - offering a getaway like no other.
- Munsinger/Clemens Gardens
Flickr/RLEVANS These St. Cloud gardens are a great place to kick back and enjoy nature along with stunning flowers.
- Noerenberg Memorial Gardens
Flickr/m01229 Another amazing garden, this memorial park on Lake Minnetonka is one of the most peaceful places to relax in the state.
- Finland State Forest
Flickr/Pete Markham This 30,000-acre forest has room for everyone and offers plenty of camping and hiking.
- Rabideau CCC Camp
Wikimedia/McGhiever This camp in the Chippewa National Forest is full of history and provides an amazing place for education and exploration.
- Mountain Iron Mine
Wikimedia/McGhiever This historic mine is where high-grade iron ore was first discovered in MN in 1887, and has wonderful lookouts.
If you love spending time at MN’s secret spots, check out this amazing hidden beach for another epic getaway!
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This secluded park offers hiking and camping without the crowds of other North Shore parks. Enjoy the backpacking trails and peaceful waterfalls all throughout the park.
Flickr/technicolours
For a truly magical experience, try this amazing Japanese garden which offers walking paths and places to sit and enjoy nature.
Flickr/Minnesota SNAs
One of MN’s most amazing forests, the Lost 40 was saved from logging by a mapping error - and luckily, we can still enjoy its beauty today.
Wikimedia/McGhiever
Hidden Falls at this park is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Another of MN’s lesser visited state parks, enjoy gorgeous sunsets and plenty of recreation at this northern park.
Pike Island is the perfect metro area escape offering secluded beach spots to enjoy the river.
Another metro area where you can find seclusion, this massive recreation area is truly one-of-a-kind.
The back trails at Tettegouche make for the perfect hiking without the crowds.
This island park is way up north in the middle of Lake of the Woods - offering a getaway like no other.
Flickr/RLEVANS
These St. Cloud gardens are a great place to kick back and enjoy nature along with stunning flowers.
Flickr/m01229
Another amazing garden, this memorial park on Lake Minnetonka is one of the most peaceful places to relax in the state.
Flickr/Pete Markham
This 30,000-acre forest has room for everyone and offers plenty of camping and hiking.
Wikimedia/McGhiever
This camp in the Chippewa National Forest is full of history and provides an amazing place for education and exploration.
This historic mine is where high-grade iron ore was first discovered in MN in 1887, and has wonderful lookouts.
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